Elevated homocysteine levels

Homocysteine is a toxic, plaque-forming amino acid that is produced from the amino acid methionine. Without adequate B vitamins (B6, B12, and folic acid), homocysteine begins building up in the body and triggers plaque formation, oxidation of cholesterol, and potentially blood clots. Elevated homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease as well as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, macular degeneration, depression, headaches, birth defects, and certain forms of cancer.

Mediterranean diet can have a significant effect on the risk factor because it is lower in meat consumption. For other means of lowering homocysteine to an acceptable level, take the following every day:

• Folic acid (800 – 1,600 mcg a day)
• Vitamin B6 (10-40 mg a day)
• Vitamin B12 (200 – 1,000 mcg a day)
• Trimethylglycine (1,000 – 2,000 mg a day)

For most people, taking the above B vitamins or comprehensive multivitamins will be enough to counteract elevated homocysteine levels, but some have trouble converting folic acid to its active form. For those, adding the bioactive folic acid (5-methyltetrahydrofolate [5-MTHF], the active form of folic acid) will go further in reducing homocysteine levels. Researchers have found that giving 5-MTHF to subjects increased the plasma folate concentration 700 percent better than those who took folic acids alone. Trials and tests suggest that a desirable dosage should be 800-1,000 mcg daily. Note as well that this should be added to the above intake of B vitamins and should not replace then.

Those who have a continued problem with excessive homocysteine levels should ask their doctor about having a genomic test done to see if you genetically have a problem with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme production. SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) are genetic side roads that are responsible for the differences between all of us. SNPs can make our genes perform below their optimal level and may lead to disease. One of MTHFR’s main functions is converting folic acid to its active form so that it can be used by our bodies and help reduce homocysteine levels. Thus, wen you hve this genetic deficiency, you will have a surplus of homocysteine. Genomic tests can determine if you have a genetic “erros” or mutation in this gene, which is the most commonly known inherited risk for high homocysteine levels. Although these mutations do impair the regulation of homocysteine, maintaining adequate folic acid levels (through supplements like FolaPro, the bioactive form of folic acid, 5-MTHF) in your system will correct high homocysteine levels.